Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin – the dark pigment responsible for giving your skin and hair its color. Therefore, darker hair colors with lighter skin tones usually show optimal results from treatment with laser.
Laser hair removal typically isn’t as painful as waxing; however, pain tolerance varies widely and some conditions can make the procedure even more uncomfortable.
1. Your Skin Is Sensitive
Lasers emit pulses of light energy that target hair follicles. This causes heat within the follicles, which in turn pinch nerve endings at their base causing laser treatment to hurt, much like when tweezing, shaving or waxing is performed.
Your choice of laser can impact how much it hurts. Some machines feature larger spot sizes that cause pulses to penetrate deeper into your skin and target more follicles; other machines boast higher fluence which increases intensity of pulses for increased discomfort.
Whenever starting laser hair removal for the first time, it is vital to find a clinic using cutting-edge technology. This can reduce treatment intensity while potentially avoiding complications like blisters or scarring that could arise during treatment.
Thick skin in your treatment area also plays a factor when it comes to laser hair removal sessions; lips and chin areas tend to be more sensitive due to thin skin, while arms typically do not require numbing cream for laser treatment on them. As hair lightens and becomes finer over time, so will its sensation.
2. You’re Having Your Period
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular solution for eliminating unwanted body hair. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser light destroys the root of each individual follicle to halt future growth and prevent new hair follicles. While many refer to laser as permanent hair removal, its success varies; what hair eventually does return will likely be thinner and lighter.
However, laser hair removal can still be painful depending on your skin and treatment area. Some areas, like arms, may even experience increased discomfort without using numbing cream – many clients describe the sensation as being hit with a rubber band!
One effective strategy to minimize pain during laser hair removal is shaving prior to treatment and using a numbing cream. Doing this also decreases the likelihood of scratching sensitive skin, which could result in redness or even bleeding.
Coffee should also be avoided before your treatment, as caffeine can exacerbate pain. Furthermore, only visit qualified technicians rather than “laser centers” or purchasing at-home laser kits; untrained technicians could cause burns and scarring while licensed professionals understand your skin better and can adjust intensity of laser accordingly.
3. You’re Having a Hormonal Change
Laser hair removal can be an ideal solution for women who are seeking to remove unwanted body hair but find shaving or waxing painful. Unfortunately, laser treatment may cause more discomfort than other methods due to hormonal fluctuations or sensitive skin.
Laser treatments will have different experiences depending on the density and color of your hairs and your skin tone. Darker locks respond more successfully, as melanin attracts laser light; on the other hand, treatments for lighter locks may not be as successful and could cause additional discomfort.
Women experiencing menopause should get laser hair removal treatments as soon as they can. Hormonal shifts can affect the melanin in your hair and make it more difficult for laser to successfully destroy its follicles; additionally, more sessions will likely be required as more grey hair appears and can no longer absorb its heat.
Women who are expecting may find laser treatments more discomforting due to changing hormone levels during gestation, so they’ll need to speak to their obstetrician before continuing laser treatments before giving birth.
4. You’re Having a Cold
People often assume laser hair removal will be painful, but in reality it’s actually less traumatic than they think. Laser hair removal feels similar to pinching or warm pulses but doesn’t cause discomfort like other methods like waxing can – unlike these painful processes which take more time and may cause significant pain in certain spots, laser hair removal is quick and relatively pain-free.
However, it’s still essential to properly prepare for your treatment. In order for the laser to effectively target hair roots, arrive to your appointment shaven clean shaven. Also avoid sweating or exercising in the area afterward because this could cause skin burn. Furthermore, use broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF30 protection.
Pain associated with laser hair removal varies by body part; female patients tend to experience more discomfort than male counterparts in the bikini area. You can help lessen it by applying topical numbing cream or gel, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, staying hydrated, avoiding scratching skin, and applying ice packs directly onto it.
Many clients have reported finding laser treatments less painful with repeated sessions, and we can adjust the strength of the laser according to your comfort. If pain is an issue for you, try scheduling sessions away from periods (and caffeine consumption) as well as making sure you stay adequately hydrated during treatment sessions.
5. You’re Having a Flu
Flu or the common cold can make your body react to laser hair removal treatments more intensely due to your immune system working to fight off infection. Your skin may feel warmer and more sensitive after the session while being slightly swollen or red post treatment – something which should resolve within hours.
Before scheduling a Laser Hair Removal session, it is crucial that you consult with your medical provider first. Some medications like Roaccutane and Retin-A can have serious adverse reactions which could impede its efficacy, so be sure to disclose any allergies you have; many antihistamines contain photosensitive compounds which could adversely react when exposed to laser light.
Prior to your laser treatment appointment, it is wise to avoid sun exposure and tanning beds as any form of tanning will make your skin more susceptible to laser treatment. Shaving the area two weeks beforehand can also help decrease its sensitivity.
Most people find laser hair removal less painful with each treatment session, as hairs become lighter and thinner over time, eventually disappearing from their roots altogether. It is advised to schedule treatments every four to six weeks; additionally, inquire with your practitioner regarding financing options for laser treatment if applicable.
6. You’re Having a Fever
If you are feeling pain after laser hair removal, there are ways to ease it. First and foremost, refrain from shaving or tweezing the area until any crusting has disappeared; additionally over-the-counter painkillers can help ease sensation and inflammation if necessary (though we hope not).
Lasers provide an alternative to waxing or shaving in that they destroy the roots of unwanted body hair to stop its further growth. While you will still require maintenance sessions for optimal results, laser hair removal provides more long-term solutions to unwanted body hair than either.
Some parts of the body can be more sensitive than others, particularly those with thicker and darker hairs. For instance, the top section of the bikini line could cause greater discomfort since its hairs tend to be thicker and darker; similarly, abdomen areas could also experience greater pain from their large number of hair follicles.
If you experience any concerns after laser treatment, reach out to the practitioner who conducted your session immediately. They should be able to offer advice and suggest an action plan as necessary. In addition, applying ice packs directly on to the area may reduce any swelling or irritation. It is also wise to wear loose, comfortable clothing during these early post-laser hours in order to allow your skin to release any heat build up around that spot.
